Comets squad named ahead of home clash

Hayden Lenord

ACT/NSW Country Comets announce squad ahead of home game against Tasmania

The ACT/NSW Country Comets have announced their squad to play Tasmania in the second last game of the Toyota Futures League starting on Monday at Phillip Oval. The Comets are currently sitting in top spot on the table.

The Comets showcased their versatility in late January, winning four out of six Twenty20 matches played over four days in Sydney. These performances were led by Canberra local Blake Macdonald who captained the team for the first time, leading a team with no contracted players, four debutants and two players who had not played at the Futures League level for two years.

Head Coach Kyle Piper was impressed with the performance of the team considering they were playing teams with 8-10 contracted players.

“Last week was a strong result for our group considering that our depth was stretched more than it has been so far this year,” said Piper.

“To come away winning four from six was a strong result for the group and one that will no doubt give a number of players confidence in their own abilities.

“The group has been busy over the last few months with Big Bash for nine of our guys along with the Futures League T20’s last week where we won six from six in a pleasing week for the group.

“The last two games provide a great chance for our guys to compete against two quality sides under dukes ball conditions.”

Jay Lenton has been left out of the squad due to injury with Hayden Kerr set to replace him.

Piper is confident in the ability of the team even without the presence of Lenton on the field.

“The depth of our squad means that whilst we will be missing the attributes that Jay brings, we will be gaining in what others bring. Everyone in our squad knows that you never know when your opportunity will come, all you can control is to be as ready and prepared when that chance comes.”

The 2018/19 season has been one of the strongest seasons for the Comets in recent years, with Piper attributing their success to the ACT/NSW Country pathway program, with ACT/NSW Country Under 17’s and Under 19’s winning their respective tournaments for the first time ever this summer.

“Our program has made a very clear mindset change in that we compete in everything we do. It is pleasing to see that this has not been confined to the Futures League side but has stretched across our entire pathway, which is a great indication of the strength of cricket within the ACT/NSW Country community.”